GIVEN the persistent occurrence of load-shedding in South Africa, our residences and enterprises face continuous exposure to the potential hazards of electronic equipment damage and compromised security systems.
By adopting proactive measures to mitigate these risks, you can ensure preparedness for any inconvenience and disruption associated with both scheduled and unscheduled power outages.
Also read: Driving in the dark: load-shedding tips
Here are tips on how to stay safe during load-shedding:
- Familiarise yourself with your schedule: Stay informed about scheduled outages in your area by downloading a reputable Eskom load-shedding app on your smartphone or joining a community group that can inform you.
- Prioritise security: Criminals may exploit load-shedding schedules, so be extra cautious about home access and perimeter security to deter opportunistic burglars who target tripped or false alarms.
- Invest in backup batteries: Ensure your alarm and gate systems have fully functional backup batteries to operate during load-shedding, and verify that your garage door motor or electronic gate can function without power.
- Prepare backup lighting: Keep a torch or headlamp handy for navigating during power outages, utilise smartphone torches and consider investing in emergency phone chargers and power banks for extended outages.
- Stay charged: Keep your cellphone, laptop and tablet devices fully charged before scheduled blackouts, and have backup power sources available for recharging. Limit device usage during outages to conserve battery power.
- Maintain connectivity: Top up your mobile data to stay connected online for updates during outages, and use devices sparingly to preserve battery life.
- Utilise gas: Invest in a gas bottle and lamp for cooking and lighting during power cuts, and store hot water in a thermal flask for hot drinks. Prepare meals in advance for scheduled blackouts.
- Unplug electronics: Immediately unplug electronic devices and equipment when the power goes out to prevent damage from surges when electricity is restored, including fixed telephone cables.
- Backup data: Consider backing up important data to protect against hard drive crashes or electrical faults during outages, utilising automated cloud-based backups for convenience.
- Know emergency contacts: Save emergency service contact information on your phone, and keep a printed copy nearby, including details for friends, family, insurance and essential services, like the fire department, police and medical assistance.
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